I know I am very blessed to have two daughters who appreciate my sewing and embroidering gifts for them. But, whenever they need a gift, especially a shower gift, I am automatically expected to whip something up. I am happy to do it for them, but they have no concept of the time it takes me. I have a single needle machine, and it likes to be run on its slowest speed (kind of like me!). Do any of you run into the same problem?

I made it clear early on that if you want something... make it yourself! It is a joy to set things up and run around for that perfect fabric or trim for my daughters projects. She has a file with the designs she likes so when she comes she can look and stitch! or she has my recommendations. Lol!

1 comment

by parkermom 30 Aug 2018

I was sewing long before I started machine embroidery, so I didn't get my ground rules in quickly enough. Maybe I can start to gradually implement some guidelines and ease them into it!

The last time someone in my circle of close friends and family asked me to "Whip Something Up" last minute I told them that the only thing I could "Whip" was their butts. Last time I received a short notice for a project. LOL

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

that's a great thing to say. One of my girls told me today that her friend wanted to know if I could whip up ten hats for a bachelorette party in two weeks. At least my daughter told her friend no. Thank heavens!

Great post, as many of us have similar problems. I also love doing for others, but sometimes it's overwhelming, especially when they have no clue as to what is involved. Perhaps you could invite them to go through the steps with you: Finding/picking the design, finding/picking the fabric or premade item, choosing stabilizer and thread, hooping, trimming, etc. Some seem to think you just tell the machine what you want, give it some fabric and poof it's done. I hope some of the great suggestions below help. Good luck!

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

That's the truth! I think that they believe that if there is only a few steps, that means it only takes a few minutes.

I feel your pain.

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

I love to do for them, but sometimes I'm just tired!

I guess I lucked out. I was asked by my future sister-in-law to make a dress for herself to wear to our wedding. This was in the midst of making my wedding dress, my flower girls dress, packing ( my husband was in the military stationed 6 hrs away), finding a place to live, and finding a new job. I made the dress for her as I wanted to make a good impression on my new sister-in-law. But others in the family let it be known that her request had not been appropriate. I only get occasional requests to make things and as graceandham mentioned, I barter.

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

You did luck out. I just finished three pairs of pants for my daughter, towels for one shower, sleep mask and luggage tags for another shower. I love to sew and embroider, but without time crunches on me.

Of course, we know only too well what you're talking about. I told my niece I hope I wasn't expected to make a Belle costume, for Nora's birthday the minute I got back, from my last trip. Thankfully, I didn't. They finally 'heard' my statements about I need more time, don't wait until the last minute if you want something. I too have slowed down!-lol
I used to work good under pressure, not true lately.

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

Sometimes they hear me and sometimes they don't. I guess I need to keep practicing.

I know what you are talking about. Now they live 2 hours drive away and with that it stopped. Granddaughter living close by asks once in a while, but always gives me enough time and I love doing it.

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

I don't want them to move away, but I sure want more of a cushion of time to do the things they want.

Guess I am fortunate mine are always asking also. Usually it's a baby shower and I try to keep some things made up for when they ask. They always pay are ask what I want them to purchas so they keep me in stabilizer or thread or whatever I need to make things for them.. Thing is they usually purchase twice what I need so I always have for other things also. I am blessed

2 comments

by graceandham 28 Aug 2018

Hi, my friend. Yes, you are blessed. And you bless others. Big wink and hug.

by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

My goal is to have some things made up, but its impossible when they want them personalized. My girls know I need stabilizer and things, but they are uneasy about ordering things in case they are mistaken. I think I'll start a wish list on amazon or somewhere and let them see it.

Yes, friends and family think because you have invested in the machine, fabric,threads, designs, computer, etc. that you want to provide their gifts for them. Have you thought about asking for your costs of material at least. Or perhaps you could barter them cooking a meal while you sew? Or show them a design set you wish you could afford?

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by parkermom 28 Aug 2018

Great ideas. No, I haven't thought about any of those things. When I see them, I jump into "Mom mode" and don't even think about letting them do things for me.